“Minions” achieved world domination this weekend as the “Despicable Me” spin-off racked up a tremendous $124.3 million to lead the foreign box office

The Universal and Illumination Entertainment release screened in 56 territories, achieving the biggest animated opening ever in 25 of the countries where it played, a group that includes Russia, France, and Mexico. The film has been in a handful of foreign markets since last month. Combined with its sizable $115.2 million domestic debut, “Minions” has racked up $395.7 million globally.

Many analysts believe it has a strong shot at passing the $1 billion mark worldwide. It would join “Jurassic World” and “Furious 7” as the third Universal release this year to hit that mark. “Minions” will roll out in 11 more territories over the next two months, many of them in the Middle East. The film appears to travel so well, because much of its humor is physical.

“Slapstick just works,” said Phil Contrino, vice president and chief analyst at BoxOffice.com. “There’s nothing really to translate and it’s not culturally specific.”

In second place, “Terminator Genisys” is getting a warmer reception overseas than it has received Stateside, where the cyborg adventure has struggled to find a big audience. The picture added $47.3 million to its coffers from 60 international territories, after opening in Italy, Spain, Japan, and 11 other markets. The action sequel has earned $224.8 million globally, but still has ground to make up before it can be profitable. “Terminator Genisys” carries a steep $155 million price tag, and will have to top $300 million before it begins to head into the black because studios split ticket receipts with exhibitors.

Related

“Forever Young,” a Chinese coming-of-age movie about an aspiring dancer, nabbed $38 million and third place on the international charts, while “Tiny Times 4.0,” another People’s Republic release, snagged fourth place with $36 million.

Fifth place finisher “Jurassic World” is bearing down on “Furious 7,” as it looks to become the fourth highest grossing film in history. The dinosaur sequel picked up $21.7 million, bringing its global total to $1.46 billion.

Sign Up for Daily Insider Newsletter

“Minions” achieved world domination this weekend as the “Despicable Me” spin-off racked up a tremendous $124.3 million to lead the foreign box office The Universal and Illumination Entertainment release screened in 56 territories, achieving the biggest animated opening ever in 25 of the countries where it played, a group that includes Russia, France, and Mexico. […]

“Minions” achieved world domination this weekend as the “Despicable Me” spin-off racked up a tremendous $124.3 million to lead the foreign box office The Universal and Illumination Entertainment release screened in 56 territories, achieving the biggest animated opening ever in 25 of the countries where it played, a group that includes Russia, France, and Mexico. […]

“Minions” achieved world domination this weekend as the “Despicable Me” spin-off racked up a tremendous $124.3 million to lead the foreign box office The Universal and Illumination Entertainment release screened in 56 territories, achieving the biggest animated opening ever in 25 of the countries where it played, a group that includes Russia, France, and Mexico. […]

“Minions” achieved world domination this weekend as the “Despicable Me” spin-off racked up a tremendous $124.3 million to lead the foreign box office The Universal and Illumination Entertainment release screened in 56 territories, achieving the biggest animated opening ever in 25 of the countries where it played, a group that includes Russia, France, and Mexico. […]

“Minions” achieved world domination this weekend as the “Despicable Me” spin-off racked up a tremendous $124.3 million to lead the foreign box office The Universal and Illumination Entertainment release screened in 56 territories, achieving the biggest animated opening ever in 25 of the countries where it played, a group that includes Russia, France, and Mexico. […]

“Minions” achieved world domination this weekend as the “Despicable Me” spin-off racked up a tremendous $124.3 million to lead the foreign box office The Universal and Illumination Entertainment release screened in 56 territories, achieving the biggest animated opening ever in 25 of the countries where it played, a group that includes Russia, France, and Mexico. […]

“Minions” achieved world domination this weekend as the “Despicable Me” spin-off racked up a tremendous $124.3 million to lead the foreign box office The Universal and Illumination Entertainment release screened in 56 territories, achieving the biggest animated opening ever in 25 of the countries where it played, a group that includes Russia, France, and Mexico. […]